Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Folding books...................

FOLD ~ A line or crease produced in paper or cloth as the result of folding it.

I already had a few folded books which I've enjoyed looking at around the house for a while. Recently, when out treasure hunting with friend Vanessa in and around her new location, I found a booth at an antiques mall which had books with lots of different intricate folds. I didn't buy any, they were a bit pricey, but did make a note of this particular one........................and came home to craft my own version.

If, like me, you have a stack of old hardcover books laying about (I pick them up for a couple of dollars at the used book shop) this is a really easy project if you want to keep your hands busy - a change from knitting scarves for me! I know I'll make more on Winter evenings by the fire. Here I'm using a French novel which has a lovely cover and some pen and ink illustrations as well as the words - and I love anything showcasing 'the written word'.

There are just two folds required to make this easy design, they are done on alternate pages. It's great fun to see the quick magical change in the book's appearance.

First page just fold in half so the outside edge meets the gutter.

Second page, two triangular folds - I do the top one first then bottom over.

Just keep going until enough have stacked up to give a pleasing 'sculpture', or continue to the end of the book. I guess depending on the thickness of the book will determine how much folding you want to complete.

Have fun with this ~ they do say 'books make a room' and this is another inexpensive way of changing your decor.

I've seen books folded into christmas trees and santas (and then spray painted), but none like this. Of course that was back in the 70s - I think it was Readers' Digest that they folded - I've seen them in the store lately - you couldn't make anything out of how skinny the digest has become. Yours are much more artistic - might have to try this.

Love the folded books, but Jim would kill me (just joking) if I started folding his precious books. I will have to find some of my own. I recently saw some books cut into pumpkin shapes and a stem added on top. That intrigued me too.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR is a fresh version of my former three year blog ACROSS THE POND which can still be accessed by clicking on the title above.I'm a transplanted Brit enjoying life in North Carolina.

Fifty five years of journeying back and forth across the wide Atlantic Ocean have kept me busy…….and made my life very interesting! Although I've now visited all seven continents, I continue to travel and look forward to sharing new places around the world.I love taking photos! All images are my own unless noted otherwise. Please do not use my photos without a request. I enjoy sharing and will usually say OK!

Malaysia 2012

Singapore 2012

Hawaii 2012

Hoi An 2011

Vietnam 2011

Chiang Mai 2011

Bangkok 2011

TASMANIA 2011

Australia Nov. 2011

Expedition Cruising 2011

M/V Orion

Sub-Antarctic 2011

King Penguins

My African Safari...May 2010

The Lion

Africa 2010

The Leopard

Africa 2010

Remembering Africa - 2010

Lassen National Park, California

Thanks so much for reading along this far……if you've enjoyed my tales and photos and would like to see more, click on the Older Posts button, or the photo thumbnails above to take you back…there are awesome countries and exciting adventures. If you love to decorate your personal space, dig and delve in your garden, and turn out tasty morsels from your kitchen..........you're at the right place!